Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1887-06-03

Memorial Services were held in the
Congregational Church last Sunday
afternoon. The Post attended in
body, as did also the Women's Relief
Corps. The services began with an
anthem, followed by scripture reading
by Rev. J. II. Sellers. Then came
memorial song the words of which
were composed by Mrs. Il. r. Chand-
Ter of Lunenburgh, after which prayer
was offered by Rev. A. b. Enright.
The pastor of the Church, Rev. j. N.
Walker, took as his text Exodus -, 26,
"What mean ye by this Service ?"
His discourse was interesting, and Wig
orous in thought and expression and
it was listened to with the closest at
tention throughout. The services
were brought to q close by singing
"America," the whole congregation
joining, and the benediction by Rev.
A. B. Enright. AS the veterans and
the relief corps marched out the choir
sang another anthem. The Church
was tastefully decorated with flowers
and plants, and the musical program
by the choir was especially fine.
Decoration Day.
On Decoration Day the members of
Erastus Buck Post in the morning re-
paired to East Charleston where they
were joined by q large concourse Of
people, and headed by the drum
corps, proceeded to the cemetery.
Here, after the impressive ritual SER
vice OF the &. A. r., the graves of Capt
Erastus Buck and other fallen COM
rades We're decorated, These cere-
monies concluded Past Commander
Hall made u few remarks, and then
called on Col. Mansur, who addressed
spoke with great earnestness and feel
ing. He reviewed the history of the
rebellion from its inception to its
close, spoke of the hardships and pri-
vatonS on the battle field, and of the
sacrifices made at home. lie attribut-
ed the cause of the war to Il defect in
the Constitution that while the fran-
ers laid the foundation deep and wide,
YET one stone placed therein-which
recognized slavery-was destined to
crumble and fall. That it is as true
with nations us with men, as we SOW,
SO also shall we reap ; men die and 60
into eternity to be judged, nations are
judged in time. This nation was
judged, and a sacrifice was to be
made 100000 brave men made that
sacrifice with their lives. In closing,
he said, we decorate today 10000 new
graves made since one year ago, which
suggests the thought that our turn
may soon come. And when we too are
gone, will there be any hands to dec.
crate these graves, or will Memorial
Day be forgotten God forbid that il
should be! for when it is it will mark
a decline Of patriotism in this coun.
try. But may these children, and Their
children's children assemble each yeaI
and decorate these graves, and thereby
teach each succeeding generation les
sons of patriotism and love of country
that the institutions for which we
fought, and SO many died, may be
perpetuated. The address was an elo
quent one, and visibly affected many
of the veterans and friends. The Post
then proceeded to the residence oil
Myron Buck, disbanded and returned
home, and enjoyed bountiful dinner
furnished by the ladies of the Relief
Corps.
In the afternoon the Post assembled
at the cemetery where the usual exer.
cises were had. The orders, recalling
the memory of the lamented Logan,
were read by past Commander Hall in
an impressive manner, visibly affect.
Ting the soldiers and others, and pre-.
pared all with right feelings for the
succeeding ceremonies. After these,
Col. Mansur and Gov. Dale addressed
the Post and attending public. The
Col. spoke in very feeling manner
and his invocation of the memories oil
the war deeply affected his associates
Gov. Dale spoke in his usual eloquent
manner, replying effectively and with
much feeling to the first speakers en-.
quiry: "Will this Day be observed
and who will engage in its ceremonies
when we comrades are dead and
gomez" Scarcely ever has this day
been observed in u more becoming
manner in our town. Every one went
away with more reverence for the
soldier, and better and more resigned
feelings, and better hopes for the per
petuity of our government. Nothing
uncharitable was said towards any
section of the country, but everything
seemed to be said with a view to ell
courage fraternal feeling towards al
who are now working to repair the